Switzerland has booked its ticket to the United Cup semi-finals in Sydney after a hard-fought 2-1 quarter-final victory over Argentina at Perth's RAC Arena. The win, sealed in the mixed doubles, brought an end to Western Australia's summer of elite international tennis.
Bencic Delivers Commanding Singles Performance
World number eleven Belinda Bencic set the tone for Switzerland with a dominant and efficient display. She needed just 78 minutes to dispatch Argentina's Solana Sierra, ranked 66th in the world, with a comprehensive 6-2, 6-2 win. Bencic was in ruthless form, committing a mere ten unforced errors throughout the match.
After securing an early break, Bencic faced some resistance, saving three break points against her. However, the Wimbledon semi-finalist quickly found her rhythm. She broke Sierra again at 4-2 to claim the first set and then raised her level further in the second. Bencic finished the match in emphatic style, winning 100 per cent of her first-serve points in the second set to close out the victory.
Baez Outlasts Wawrinka in Tense Battle
Swiss veteran Stan Wawrinka was unable to capitalise on Bencic's strong start, falling to a determined Sebastian Baez. The former world number eighteen from Argentina held off a fierce challenge to win 7-5, 6-4 and level the tie.
The first set was a tight affair, remaining on serve until the crucial moment when Baez managed to secure a late break. Wawrinka's frustration boiled over when he netted a volley on set point, leading him to smash his racquet. In the second set, Wawrinka had opportunities but failed to convert break points at 1-0. Baez's resilient serving saved him, and he broke Wawrinka's serve at 2-2, prompting a second racquet smash from the 40-year-old Swiss star.
Mixed Doubles Decider Seals Swiss Progression
With the quarter-final tied at 1-1, everything came down to the mixed doubles rubber. Bencic returned to the court, partnering with Jakub Paul, and the Swiss duo proved too strong. They controlled the match from the outset, securing a straight-sets victory 6-3, 6-3 to send their nation into the final four.
The win means Switzerland will travel to Sydney to face the winner of the quarter-final between Belgium and Czechia in the semi-finals this Saturday. The victory in Perth marks a successful team effort, spearheaded by Bencic's outstanding all-around performance in both singles and doubles.
